This Week at Columbia: Events & Opportunities 9/2 - 9/9

Dear Students,

Happy first day of classes! We hope that your semester is off to a smooth start and that you’ll be able to join us for a few of the events outlined below. 

University Life Events & Opportunities
All events listed below are in Eastern Time (ET), free, and open to all students across all schools and campuses.

• Speed Friending (In-Person). Looking to meet new people and make meaningful connections? Join us on Math Lawn for a fun outdoor event filled with ice cream, conversation, and good vibes. Tuesday, September 2, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Religious Life Activities Fair (In-Person). Discover religious resources, connect with student groups, and meet with faith leaders at St. Paul’s Chapel plaza. Wednesday, September 3, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Silent Disco (In-Person). Dance the night away with tasty snacks and new friends at our Silent Disco. Headsets available for the first 350 students. Thursday, September 4, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Dance Fitness Series: Zumba (In-Person). Step into the rhythm this Welcome Week with a free Zumba class, the first in a three-part series of dance fitness classes this semester. Fun, fitness, and movement for everyone—no experience needed. Friday, September 5, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Register here. 
• Navigating Columbia Resources Workshop (Online). Join the Center for Student Success and Intervention (CSSI) for a virtual workshop where you will learn how to connect with Columbia resources and promote your overall well-being. Monday, September 8, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Register here. 
• Religious Life Information Session (In-Person). Enjoy dinner, meet student groups and faith leaders, and explore Religious Life resources at Earl Hall. Tuesday, September 9, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Community Connections BBQ (In-Person). Kick off the year with good food and a strong sense of community at the second annual Community Connections BBQ. The barbecue is dedicated to celebrating the diverse identities of our students. All students are welcome. Wednesday, September 10, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Coffee, Conversation, and Spirituality (In-Person). Explore life, meaning, and purpose over breakfast with Religious Life. No beliefs required, just bring your sense of connection and curiosity. Friday, September 12, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Learn more. 
• Grad Networking: A Cafe Connection (In-Person). Head to Dear Mama for a coffee-themed speed friending event designed to help you start building your network here at Columbia. Friday, September 12, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Get Involved with University Life Student Volunteering Opportunities. Looking for ways to get involved with the Columbia community? Join the University Life Student Volunteer Roster to stay informed about volunteer opportunities throughout the academic year, including helping at events, joining focus groups, and being the first to know about upcoming opportunities. Register here. 
• Interested in working with University Life? Build your skills and grow your network with University Life for the 2025–2026 academic year. Apply now for positions in events, communications, and student engagement. Learn more. 

More Events and Opportunities Happening Around Campus

The events below are only some of the free, University-wide events open to all students. For a full list of events, visit the University Events Calendar.

• Treats on the Plaza, Manhattanville Campus (In-Person). Stop by the Plaza at the Manhattanville Campus for one last taste of summer and some afternoon fun to kick off the academic year. All students welcome while supplies last. Wednesday, September 3, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Listening Tables (In-Person). Sit down with the Trust Collaboratory’s Listening Tables for a meal and open dialogue with peers across the Columbia community. These sessions will be hosted by Rebecca Kobrin, Beth Fisher-Yoshida, Joseph Terwilliger, Sophia A. Merkin, and Asya Tsaturyan. Wednesday, September 3, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Register here. 
• Ride Your Bike To Campus - Morningside Campus (In-Person). Join Public Safety on Low Plaza for Security Awareness/Ride Your Bike to Campus Day with free bike tune-ups, device protection, safety consultations, resources from NYPD and FDNY, and more. Wednesday, September 3, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Libraries Information Sessions (In-Person). Stop by Butler 203 for 15-minute “How to Use the Libraries” sessions at the top of each hour—learn resources, workshops, and more. Wednesday, September 3 and Thursday, September  4, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Learn more. 
• Situational Awareness (Online). Perfect for students new to NYC, this Situational Awareness session teaches strategies for how to stay alert and make smart safety decisions. Friday, September 5, 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Butler Library Tours (In-Person). Join a 15-minute Butler Library tour and check out the Circulation desk, Ask a Librarian, printers, FLI collection, and stacks. Friday, September 5, 11:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Learn more. 
• Listening Tables - Graduate Student Edition (In-Person). Join Trust Collaboratory’s Listening Tables for a meal and open dialogue with students, faculty, and campus leaders. This year’s Graduate Student Edition is co-sponsored by several Columbia graduate schools, with the kick-off conversation hosted by Columbia Journalism Dean Dr. Jelani Cobb. Tuesday, September 9, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Register here. 
• Crafts on The Corner: Sketch Sessions (In-Person). Get crafty at the Lee C. Bollinger Forum for a free, community-focused event series that invites all ages to explore creativity and connect with neighbors through art. Wednesday, September 10, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Learn more.

Campus Resources to Support You

• Connect to Support Services. The Center for Student Success and Intervention provides connections to resources within the Columbia community and beyond to help you navigate an array of areas, including housing, health, mental health, food insecurity, and more. Learn more. 
• Navigate Campus Like a Pro. Your first few days on a new campus can feel overwhelming and even a little confusing. These maps and important locations can make a world of difference and help you get oriented quickly. Learn more. 

We wish you the best of luck with your first week of classes! Remember to try something new in the upcoming weeks and take it one day at a time.